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Median nerve evoked potentials during propofol anaesthesia
G L Scheepstra1, J J de Lange, L H Booij
1Department of Anaesthesiology, Free University Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
British Journal of Anaesthesia
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Median nerve somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) are reproducible during propofol-based anesthesia. However, considerable intra-individual changes in latency and amplitude were observed throughout the surgical procedure.
Area of Science:
- Neurophysiology
- Anesthesiology
- Evoked Potentials
Background:
- Median nerve somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) are crucial for assessing neurological function.
- Understanding SSEP changes during general anesthesia is vital for patient monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reproducibility and changes in median nerve SSEP during general anesthesia.
- To assess the impact of anesthetic agents (propofol, vecuronium, fentanyl) and procedures on SSEP parameters.
Main Methods:
- Studied 10 ASA I patients undergoing general anesthesia.
- Recorded median nerve SSEP at various stages: pre-induction, induction, intubation, steady state, spontaneous breathing, and recovery.
- Analyzed N14 and N20 latencies, central conduction time (CCT), and interpeak amplitudes.
Main Results:
- Median nerve SSEP were reproducible throughout the general anesthesia procedure.
- Waveforms remained suitable for assessing neurological disorders.
- Significant intra-individual variations were observed in SSEP latencies and amplitudes across different anesthetic stages.
Conclusions:
- Median nerve SSEP can be reliably used for neurological assessment during propofol-based general anesthesia.
- Anesthetists should be aware of potential intra-individual SSEP variability during surgical procedures.